Needs-based Utilities Subsidy

WHEREAS the rising cost of basic utilities is increasing the cost of living for Canadians and those Canadians with low incomes or fixed incomes or relying on social assistance cannot afford these increases; AND WHEREAS the federal government has provided a rebate in the past and the problem appears to be recurrent: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Union of BC Municipalities request that the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of BC commit to providing a needs-based subsidy to offset the increased costs for electricity and natural gas.